
Interestingly, ENERGY STAR qualified stand-alone freezer models use at least 10% less energy than required by current federal standards and qualified freezer models are available in three configurations:
upright freezers with automatic defrost
upright freezers with manual defrost
chest freezers with manual defrost only
ENERGY STAR compact (less than 7.75 cubic feet) refrigerator/freezer combinations use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards.
Here are a few ENERGY STAR stand-alone freezers with varying prices and sizes:
24 in Origin Series Built in White Under-counter All Freezer, Model 75FW by U-Line Corporation, 6 cu. ft. (Est. Price $895.00)
Maytag Upright MQU1656BEW, 15.7 cu. ft. capacity, auto defrost (Est. Price $570)
White Kenmore Chest Freezer, Sears Item #04616352000, Mfr. model# 16352 13 cu. ft. (Est. Price $420)
GE FCM5DRWH 5.0 Cu. Ft. Manual Defrost Chest Freezer (Est. Price $290)
Tip About Freezer Efficiency and Convenience
For those who don’t have the need or the floor space for a free-standing freezer, but instead prefer a combination refrigerator/freezer, the bottom-freezer refrigerator, a unit that has the fresh foods compartment on the top and the freezer on the bottom, is growing in popularity.
Interestingly, of the three major refrigerator-freezer configurations—top-freezer, side-by-side and bottom-freezer—the bottom-freezer models are generally the most energy efficient. This is because warm air rises and in these models, the warmer part of the appliance is located on top.
Bottom-freezer fridges are also more convenient. With the main compartment of a bottom-freezer fridge at eye level, it's easier to store and access foods in this compartment than it would be in a top-freezer model, where you usually have to stoop to store items. Storage is also better for full-sized frozen pizza than a typical side-by-side model because the freezer runs the full width of the refrigerator.
Our network of established contractors stretches across the US and are ready to help you remodel your home.
Remodeling tweets and photos posted daily. Join Us on Twitter